Pinochet, the “lawyer” who joined the coup at the last minute and ended up being the cruelest

Pinochet He took command of the Army on 23 August 1973.On the advice of the general Carlos PratsA lawyer who can no longer withstand the political pressure against him. Prats believed he saw qualities in Pinochet similar to his own. The reed-voiced general writes him a letter full of praise when he replaces him. “It is my purpose, when I assume command of the institution you so honorably command, to express to you my sincere feelings of friendship based on the delicate circumstances with which we have had to confront.” Pinochet never made public this letter, which was part of Prats’ documents. The person he would order killed when he was exiled to Buenos Aires in 1974. In contrast to this grateful and obedient inscription (“Whoever succeeds him in command of the army shall be unconditionally subject to his strict orders”), he assures that he is already plotting against the French government. Popular League Since August 1972.

“I reject Marxist-Leninists “It is a product of my knowledge of their doctrines with which I made my first contacts when I was in charge of communist representatives in Pisagua in January 1948 and part of February,” he explained. decisive day, a sort of self-apology in the form of a book in which he offers very personal details of that uprising. At the time of publication in 1980, Pinochet had no rivals within the dictatorship. No one would dare openly refute his absolute centrality in the coup.

Pinochet confirms that he views the left’s election victory with “great concern”. “I witnessed how the social, moral, economic and political coherence in Chile broke down with increasing suffering.” And so we had to “react” to “get rid of the tyranny.” He never expressed this certainty. “I remained silent and cautious“But for the general, out of secrecy emerged iron determination. Such was his will.” decisive dayWhile explaining the steps he would take, he made the generals swear in front of a replica of the sword of General O’Higgins, the father of the nation, that from that moment on “what will be said” will remain. as the most absolute secret.”

He had planned the coup for September 14, but it was brought forward three days. He said he found her sleepless on the eve of the overthrow. At 5.30 on Tuesday, the 11th, he sent a coded radiogram bearing his signature from Army headquarters to all garrisons: they were to occupy the mayoralties and governorships immediately.

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Pinochet became the most violent leader of the overthrow. Revenge and primal desire shone in his eyes, but He was by no means the organizer and the main heroSeptember 11. The moment when he finally turns to the conspirators has nothing to do with what he is trying to publicly testify and repeat. yes ok CIA It casts a slight shadow of doubt on his loyalty to the government. He joined the rebellion when he was already ready It has been abundant for years.

Book ComploThis article, written by National Journalism Award winner Mónica González, became a powerful rebuttal 23 years ago. A monumental reconstruction of the lead-up to the coup is based on the diaries of one of the coup’s planners. General Sergio Arellano Stark, Then who will be involved in the search? caravan of death, in the north of Chile. “It’s sad but I have to admit We are starting to lose trust in Augusto Pinochet. Despite everything, and I disagree with the other generals on this issue, I am in favor of informing him at the last minute of our decision to overthrow the government of Salvador Allende, because we need to act as an institution and not risk bankruptcy,” points out Arellano.

González leaves no doubt: decisive day this is a “bold exercise in rewriting history“. “In a world without instant messaging or smartphones,” as historian Alfredo Sepúlveda recalls, mutism The head of the army was “worried” about other senior officers of the Navy, Air Force and ground forces at the beginning of the attack on the force. “Are they going to have to face half the army?”. On September 8, Arellano searches for Pinochet all over Santiago. He meets him at night and informs him of what will happen. “He spoke very little that night. He was anxious.” Arellano left his home not knowing which side he was on.

Added at the last moment

Future dictator At best, he participated in the attack on institutions on September 9th. It’s the day he sends his wife and two young children to the Alta Montaña School in Río Blanco, about 120 kilometers north of the capital, in case things don’t go well. His version that he was sworn in as a general on the eve of the attack is fictitious. No senior official confirmed this.

The general waited for “D” day in the Army Telecommunications Regiment at Peñalolén on the outskirts of Santiago. He overreacted to anti-Allen opposition in the only way he could intimidate rather than persuade: extreme cruelty. This was also confirmed by Army General Sergio Nuño Bawden, a member of the Armed Forces Operations Command (COFA) from which the attack on La Moneda was led. He passed away in 2017. His letters go along the same lines as the impressions left by Arellano. “Participating in military action, which I have always considered legitimate and necessary, does not mean that I should betray my conscience by sincerely silencing my rejection and denial of unspeakable human rights violations.”